Wat Khao Hua Jook — the hilltop pagoda above Chaweng and the airport (2026)

Getting there by scooter

The temple sits on a low hill between Chaweng and the airport. From central Chaweng it is a few kilometres, about 5–10 minutes: ride north on the main road toward Central Festival, then turn inland onto the side road that climbs to the temple. Navigating to the pin works fine. The turn is easy to miss in mall traffic, so slow down early and signal well before you cut across.

From the Big Buddha side it is around 4 km in a straight line. Allow extra time for the road journey around the airport.

The road up is short. There are concrete lanes near the hill, but I have not ridden right up to the temple. Keep a steady throttle on the climb and leave room to stop safely. On the way down, brake gently and early instead of grabbing the front brake. Park where other scooters are parked, and check on site for any signs about where bikes can go. From there the walk up to the chedi is easy.

What you get there and how long to stay

What you come for is the chedi on top of the hill and the view from beside it. You look over the airport runway, the rooftops of Chaweng and the sea beyond. The airport is right below, so you can usually watch a plane come in or take off if you wait a little. The schedule varies, so don't count on a particular time.

It is a working temple, not an attraction, and it is usually quiet. Plan 30–45 minutes: walk around the chedi, take in the view, sit in the shade for a while. If planes are what you came for, stay longer.

• Dress: shoulders and knees covered. Take your shoes off if you go into any building. Carry a light shirt or sarong in the scooter seat.
• Hours and entry: I can't confirm fixed opening hours or a fee. Check on site, and bring small cash in case there is a donation box.
• Behaviour: keep your voice down, don't climb on the chedi, and ask before photographing monks.

When to go

Go in the morning before about 10 or in the late afternoon. Expect little shade on an open hilltop at midday, and the concrete gets hot underfoot when your shoes are off. Late afternoon also has the softest light over the runway and the bay.

Leave yourself time to get down before dark. It is better to learn the approach in daylight than by headlight. More on this in riding in rain and at night.

Combine with

Khao Hua Jook is short enough to slot into almost any day in the north-east.

• Temples of the east, 24.7 km. Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem and Khao Hua Jook in one easy half-day loop. I like ending here in the late afternoon, before heading back to Chaweng.
• Viewpoints loop, 38.3 km. The loop also includes steeper roads; assess those separately from this stop.
• Big Buddha, about 4 km north. Easy to pair on its own if you only have a couple of hours.

Central Festival has a food court for lunch, and Chaweng Beach is nearby for a swim afterwards.

Questions